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10 Coins From the 1950s That Are Worth Way More Than Face Value

A few cents could be worth hundreds of dollars if you have the right coins.

By Mabh Savage

Edited by Kaitlin Milligan

Updated Dec. 16, 2025

Nearly everyone has a few old coins kicking around. But did you realize that a few cents from the 1950s could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars today and help you get ahead financially? Collectors will pay staggering amounts for commemorative, notable, or proof coins from certain years. Even fairly standard dimes and quarters can be worth a few dollars more thanks to their high silver content.

Empty your piggy bank and see what it could be worth by checking your coins off against the list of 10 valuable 1950s coins below.

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1959 Roosevelt dime

Market value: $2.55

Many dimes from the 1950s are worth more than the 10 cents on their face, mostly due to the high silver content. Prices can fluctuate in response to the ups and downs in precious metal prices. However, 1959 dimes are regularly valued at $2.55, more than 25 times their original value.

In "Mint State" condition (uncirculated and undamaged), these dimes can fetch as much as $3.15.

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1952 quarter

Market value: $6.40

All quarters from this era are high in silver and, therefore, worth more than face value to both coin collectors and precious metal traders. 1952 quarters are all currently worth at least $6.40, according to collecting experts.

You might be lucky enough to find a small "S" mint mark, meaning the coin was minted in San Francisco. In uncirculated condition, these quarters are worth up to $10.14.

1950 Lincoln wheat penny

Market value: $20

"Wheat pennies" are so called because of the curved stalks of wheat decorating the reverse of the coin. The 1950s were the last decade this design was used, and there are still many near-mint condition cents on the market.

Good condition Lincoln wheat pennies sell for up to $20 or $26 without a mint mark. Proof coins can even go for as much as $55.

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1950-S Roosevelt dime

Market value: $70

The market value of $70 is given for "uncirculated condition," where the coin is free from scratches and dents. You can tell this is a genuine Roosevelt 1950s dime by looking for the small "JS" below the image of Roosevelt. These are the initials of the engraver, John R. Sinnock.

Even damaged 1950s dimes are worth far more than face value, with collectors buying them for between $3.89 and $8.93.

1950-P quarter

Market value: $80

While quarters from the 1950s aren't particularly rare, they are high in silver, which makes them valuable.

A proof 1950 quarter, which is in uncirculated condition with no mint mark, can sometimes go for up to $876.

1952 Carver-Washington half-dollar

Market value: Varies

Commemorative coins from the 1950s can be worth impressive amounts. The Carver-Washington half-dollar celebrated famous educator and orator Booker T. Washington and the accomplished agricultural scientist George Washington-Carver.

Although over a million of these celebratory coins were distributed, today they can be worth up to $190. If you find one with no mint mark, these are often worth more — up to $290.

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1950-P Franklin proof half-dollar

Market value: $400

Proof coins from the 1950s, originally made to showcase a coin's design, are highly sought after. The 1950 Franklin half-dollar proof was produced in very low numbers compared to other coins, and the quality is lower due to the minting process at the time.

In good condition, these coins sell for $400. However, with no marks or scratches at all, prices range from $500 to $2,300.

1951 Booker T. Washington memorial half-dollar

Market value: $660

This half-dollar is highly collectible because Booker T. Washington was the first African American man to appear on a U.S. coin. The coin was also the first to be designed by a Black man: Isaac Scott Hathaway. But also, many of these coins were sent back to the mint and melted down, leaving fewer in circulation than there used to be.

1951 editions are 90% silver and worth up to $660 in mint condition.

1957-D Lincoln wheat penny (mint condition)

Market value: $7,000

The Denver mint produced over one billion cents in 1957, so circulated coins are only worth between $0.03 and $0.10. If you're lucky enough to find an uncirculated cent, with a coppery sheen and no damage, it could be worth thousands.

Coin experts state that a red (coppery), mint-condition, 1957-D Lincoln cent sold for $7,000 at auction, showing how much enthusiasts will pay to complete their collection. Always look for the "D" mint mark to check it's a Denver edition.

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1953-P Jefferson nickel

Market value: $7,500

Nickels are one of the oldest minted coins still in circulation. However, some from the 1950s are worth way more than their face value of five cents. Proof 1950s nickels with no mint mark are valued at around $7,500.

This value is based on condition as well as the lack of a mint mark, and in rare cases, prices can exceed $19,000.

Bottom line

Each of these coins is worth more than its original face value, with some selling for surprising amounts. Always check a trusted source for valuations and look for significant marks, such as the "D" on a 1957 wheat penny.

Remember, dedicated collectors are more likely to pay top dollar for these coins, so if you want to make extra cash on the side, look for coin-collecting sites and collectors' auctions. Even a small collection of coins could be a treasure trove in disguise.

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